
About this episode
Joni Mitchell’s Blue, a folk masterpiece, has inspired jazz musicians since its release in 1971. Is it because she sings like a horn player? Her improvisational melodies? Her unconventional chord structures? Her confessional songwriting?
We dive into every song on Blue, breaking down her favorite chords and her vocal phrasing to understand what makes this album great. You’ll never hear this record the same way again.
Watch to the end to see the Open Studio band’s extended interpretation of our favorite song off this record: “River.”
You'll Hear It has been nominated for a Listener's Choice award for Best Music Podcast at the Signal Awards. Vote for us here: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/music
Get our newsletter for bonus stories that didn't make the pod:
https://youllhearit.com/newsletter
Start your free Open Studio trial for ALLLLL your jazz lesson needs:
https://osjazz.link/yhi
Get every episode summarized
Each time You'll Hear It publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes



